As the NBA gears up for the 2023-2024 season, fans can expect an exciting outing from the league’s youngest players. This is one of the most anticipated seasons for rookie talent, featuring high-octane prospects such as Victor Wembanyama. This year, the Rookie of the Year race is one of the most intriguing storylines in the league. It is garnering much attention from the fan base and media as the season approaches. However, it can be equally as thrilling to predict which rookies will earn a spot on the All-Rookie teams. Let’s look closer at the top contenders for these coveted spots in the 2023-2024 NBA All-Rookie Team race.
2023-2024 NBA All-Rookie Teams: Predicting the Brightest Young Stars
NBA All-Rookie First Team: Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
In his pre-season debut, Victor Wembanyama makes it clear that he is not overrated in any way, shape, or form. His incredible combination of scoring, rebounding, shot-blocking, and all-around impact make him the immediate front-runner for the All-Rookie First Team. As the heavily touted number-one pick, Wembanyama is almost certain to make the All-Rookie First Team. He may even possibly finish the year as an All-Star.
A player with the combination of ability and size of Wembanyama has never been on the NBA floor until now. His impact on the Spurs cannot be overstated. This gives him a chance to eclipse Blake Griffin for the most successful rookie campaign in NBA history. With Wembanyama at the helm of the Spurs offense, it would take some unforeseen circumstances for him to miss out on First Team honors.
NBA All-Rookie First Team: Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Much like the aforementioned Wembanyama standing above seven feet tall, Chet Holmgren is also an alien on an NBA court. A seven-footer with the ability to dribble and score like a guard is a highly sought-after commodity in the league. This becomes more true as athletes become more skilled for their size and therefore create mismatches.
After missing all of the 2022-2023 season due to injury, Holmgren is ready to leave his mark on the league. His unique build and incredible skill ceiling are only the tip of the iceberg for Holmgren. Spending his first year on the bench recovering from injury allowed him to learn the league and step into the starting lineup at the right time. He certainly benefits by being on a young and budding team that is set to make another leap this year. With Holmgren starting at center, pushing the pace and creating space it will be interesting to find out how the young Thunder team shapes up.
While some may think that being surrounded by other young talent such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can possibly hurt Holmgren’s chances and give him less opportunity, I believe that it will only ease the pressure and give him an easier route to the All-Rookie First Team.
NBA All-Rookie First Team: Scoot Henderson (Portland Trail Blazers)
Scoot Henderson was the number three overall pick in the NBA draft, going to the Portland Trail Blazers, and is one of the most athletic players the NBA has witnessed in some time. Henderson often looked like a man among boys while playing in the G League, consistently bullying players with his strength and exploding past them in transition for high-flying dunks on the other end.
If you have ever watched Scoot on the court for even a few minutes, you understand his pure untapped athleticism as a prospect. Scoot Henderson is the most electrifying player in the draft class and it is not even close. He will have the opportunity to take control of the Portland Organization alongside teammate Anfernee Simons giving him the chance for a high usage rate and consistent opportunity, in a pairing that is reminiscent of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.
NBA All-Rookie First Team: Cam Whitmore (Houston Rockets)
The Houston Rockets chose Cam Whitmore with the 20th pick in this year’s draft. Many consider Whitmore to be the steal of the draft. Concerns over his medicals dropped him in the rankings from a projected top-5 pick, leading to his selection at 20th. He has an incredible ceiling and comes into the league with an NBA-ready body. Both his build and skillset are reminiscent of Corey Maggette.
In previous years Michael Porter Jr. dropped in drafts due to health concerns but has proven to be worth the risk and I believe the same will be true of Whitmore. He is a powerful and explosive combo forward standing at 6’6 with an impressive scoring ability. Whitmore will outperform the other players drafted around him and prove that he is one of the top five rookies of this draft class on a Rockets team that is begging for output from its players.
NBA All-Rookie First Team: Brandon Miller (Charlotte Hornets)
The Hornets took Brandon Miller off the board with the second pick in the draft, selecting him over Scoot Henderson. Brandon Miller has great size for a wing player and is a skilled scorer with the ball in his hands. Many analysts have compared his game to Paul George, but he may enter the league as a better shooter than George was as a rookie.
If he continues to work on his skills and bolster his all-around game it is possible for Miller to one day shine like Paul George but for now, he falls in the same category with players like RJ Barrett. The rookie wing will look to make an immediate impact on a young Charlotte team poised to make the playoffs in the East. With Miles Bridges‘ status up in the air, Brandon Miller may be able to step into the starting lineup and dominate as a rookie.
Second Team: Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets)
Surprisingly, there is a second Houston Rockets player on this list in Amen Thompson, but it would have been impossible to leave a player like him off this list. Few players come into the league as ready as Amen Thompson. He is absolutely a firecracker of a young prospect and projects to have an amazing season simply due to his extremely athletic physicality and smooth skills.
Amen Thompson will most likely come off the bench for the Rockets this year but turmoil within the organization, injuries, or anything else could result in a lineup change. Starting his career with Cam Whitmore by his side will only make it easier. He also has the ability to learn behind veteran guards like Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet.
The Rockets are certainly crowded at his position making it hard for him to see enough opportunities, but the talent is too good to pass up on. If he gets the ball enough he will make the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
Second Team: Ausar Thompson (Detroit Pistons)
Much like his brother, Ausar Thompson is league-ready and will make an immediate impact for the Detroit Pistons. Although the Pistons are already stacked with young stars like Paolo Banchero and Jaden Ivey, Thomsons’ talent will be enough to get him playing time on this team.
Second Team: Bilal Coulibaly (Washington Wizards)
The 6’6 rookie small forward, Bilal Coulibaly, possesses raw and unpolished athletic talent, paired with an impressive 7’3 wingspan. His springy and lanky attributes allow him to impact the game effectively, even without the ball in his hands. At just 19 years old Coulibaly is one of the youngest players in this year’s draft class.
Much like his former teammate Victor Wembanyama, Coulibaly brings versatility to the defensive end and a dynamic presence in transition. With ample room for growth, his untapped potential will surely result in a Second Team All-Rookie selection, provided that the Wizards utilize him efficiently and Coulibaly manages his mistakes.
Second Team: Jarace Walker (Indiana Pacers)
Jarace Walker is an absolute tank on the basketball court. Standing at 6’8, 250 pounds, Walker’s sturdy frame and 7’2 wingspan is an exciting proposition, especially on the defensive end. He is a complete defender with the agility to guard multiple positions on the floor and a versatile skill set. He is also a capable rebounder and playmaker making him a valuable asset on the court. Walker is the perfect combination of power and skill, if he can hone his talent on an NBA level it will be difficult to keep him out of lineups.
Second Team: Kris Murray (Portland Trail Blazers)
Kris Murray’s journey to the All-Rookie Second Team in his debut NBA season looks promising. With three years of college experience, he enters the league as a mature seasoned athlete that is ready to contribute immediately. Kris boasts a versatile game, with his lanky, athletic frame allowing him to accel in multiple facets including three-point shooting and reliable defense. His proficiency behind the arc makes him a valuable addition to the Trail Blazers offense. If Kris Murray can string together some impressive performances on the court he can make an NBA All-Rookie team the same way his brother Keegan Murray did last season.
Dark Horse Candidates/Honorable Mentions: Gradey Dick (Toronto Raptors) and Brandin Podziemski (Golden State Warriors)
NBA All-Rookie First and Second Team are about talent meeting opportunities. Brandin Podziemski and Gradey Dick have the talent, but will they get the opportunity to shine for their team?
